Moving from Odessa, TX to Pasadena, TX
A move from Odessa, TX to Pasadena, TX covers 512 mi and around 9h 49m of driving through 1 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
512 mi Β· 9h 49m by car Β· TX
Distance & route
| Route through | TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | TX 71, US 87, TX 158 |
| Major cities en route | League City, Pearland, Houston, Sugar Land, Round Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Odessa | Pasadena | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.896 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.86 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.709 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Pasadena is 5.0% higher than Odessa, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Pasadena is 5.0% below Odessa ($217,449 vs $251,239 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Pasadena -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Odessa | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 46Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 55.6" |
Pasadena runs 6.7Β°F warmer on the annual average (64.4Β°F vs 71.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 149,345 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $64,270 |
| Median age | 31 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 10.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 3 |
Median household income in Pasadena is 5.0% below Odessa ($73,030 β $64,270, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pasadena MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pasadena average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pasadena averages 55.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Odessa vs Pasadena?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,270 in Pasadena vs $73,030 in Odessa β a 12.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pasadena compared to Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,449 in Pasadena vs $251,239 in Odessa β a 13.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Pasadena more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pasadena is 5.0% higher than Odessa (98.629 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pasadena, TX from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 512 mi and the route typically takes 9h 49m via TX 71 and US 87. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Odessa to Pasadena?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 512 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pasadena compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA vs $45,830 in the Odessa MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 76,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Odessa.
City profiles: Odessa, TX Β· Pasadena, TX.